A big part of going back to school after a diabetes diagnosis is being prepared. Below, you will learn how to help your child go back to school so you both feel ready and confident.

What to Do Before Going Back to School

  1. Set up an appointment with the school nurse to share your child’s diagnosis and create a care plan (also known as a 504 plan) for school. A new plan needs to be created every year.
  2. For the meeting with the school nurse, bring the school nurse School Medical Orders which your diabetes educator-doctor team will have provided you.
  3. Pack a diabetes care kit that your child can give to the school nurse. In this kit, include the following:
  • Blood glucose meter
  • Test strips
  • Lancets
  • Glucagon emergency kit
  • Insulin vials or pens (usually Humalog®, Novolog® or Admelog®)
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Pen needles or syringes
  • Urine ketone strips or blood ketone strips and ketone meter
  • Snacks or glucose tablets with 15 grams (g) of carbohydrates (such as glucose tablets, Skittles® or 4oz. juice boxes)
  • Snacks with protein, such as peanut butter crackers or protein bars
  • A blank notebook or journal to communicate with and share notes between you and the school nurse

Helpful Hints

  • Use a tackle box to create the diabetes kit for the school nurse.
  • Once opened, insulin expires after 28 days. Give new insulin to the school nurse every 28 days.
  • Label insulin with your child’s name. Mark replacement dates every 28 days in your calendar.
  • Have the school nurse sign a release of information form so the care team can talk with them about your child’s care. Ask the care team for a release of information form.
  • Have your child wear a MedicAlert. You can get a sample bracelet from your diabetes educator-doctor team.

The school nurse can always call the Nurse Resource Line at Mass General for Children (MGfC) at 617-726-7424 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. with any questions.

Rev. 7/2019. Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.